Finally! There is something on the move here. In May i was writing about that I was looking for a Norwegian Compact Framework User Group or something like a dedicated compact framework development forum for us .netcf developers here up north. With no luck finding one I have been brewing on the idea of trying to start a compact framework community, trying to gather some people that are willing to help promote and arrange.
Myself I am quite happy (and lucky) being able to work dedicated in a mobility department for mobile solutions. From designing enterprise back-end systems that can be used by mobile devices, to client applications interacting with existing business systems. Not to mention being a mobility consultant helping organizations streamline their work flow and processes to mobilize the workforce. This has been both industrial applications running on dedicated ruggedized devices, one which is out running on 9000 windows mobile devices today and general business applications delivering back-end data to windows mobile devices within a company.
As i said, i am quite happy, but also I feel quite isolated. It’s no community feel to it, and there isn’t much buzz around it, for instance when was the last time you went to a Norwegian convention and anyone talked about mobility and development for devices? The closest thing is going to TechEd Europe.
This is hopefully about to change a bit now, together with my “mobility evangelist” colleague Per Ola we had a meeting with Microsoft today talking about creating developer driven community, and about what kind of backing would it be possible to get from Microsoft. Would it be possible to arrange for some resources from Microsoft to come to Oslo some time and talk about Windows Phone? If possible being able to have some connections to the platform dev. team? Would it be useful for Microsoft to have such kind of community? The feedback was that they like the idea and see that it could be useful to get closer in touch with Windows Phone developers.
The meeting was very interesting, and I am looking forward to continue work on this. Hopefully this community could be a place where we meet, discuss best practises, show of smart solutions and gain more knowledge on mobility. A forum for both experienced .netcf developers and those curious on how to get started.
Keeping this as a developer driven initiative for developers is imo important and requires people to be willing to share knowledge and help out building it. It should not come down to one or two people to drive this. The only thing that can stop it, is the lack of interest from developers. But, with the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5, the Marketplace and the awaiting WM7 I think we are only seen the beginning of Windows Mobile and the compact framework.
For last, I encourage everyone, both netcf and “regular” developers to sign up for the free Windows Mobile 6.5 and Marketplace developer seminar that Microsoft hosts on October 15.
